Professor, Vice Chair of Research

My lab studies how DNA tumor viruses such as HPVs and polyomaviruses drive infectious disease and cancer, including through the production of oncogenic viral circRNAs like circE7. We also investigate how glucose transporters, including GLUT1 and GLUT3, regulate tissue homeostasis and signaling, revealing key metabolic mechanisms underlying inflammatory and neoplastic skin disorders.

Associate Professor

My lab uncovers how melanocyte dysfunction contributes to aging, pigmentation disorders, and melanoma therapy resistance, including the discovery of a novel pigmentation gene that links hyperpigmentation and early hair graying to accelerated aging. By integrating iPSC models and multidisciplinary collaborations, your team identifies mechanisms and therapeutic strategies that target both melanoma cells and their microenvironment to improve patient outcomes.

Associate Professor

My lab develops stem cell– and RNA-based therapeutic platforms for inherited skin and connective tissue disorders, with a particular focus on Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and Epidermolysis Bullosa, leveraging expertise in iPSC biology, differentiation, and gene correction. Our lab co-created an efficient RNA-based reprogramming technology used for patient-specific disease modeling and advancing iPSC‑based therapies, while also leading efforts in 3D skin tissues, exosome-based interventions, and drug repurposing approaches for EDS

Associate Professor

My lab develops RNA‑ and stem cell–based therapeutic platforms, including a mod‑mRNA reprogramming and gene‑editing system that enables efficient, clinically compatible generation and correction of iPSCs for disorders such as Epidermolysis Bullosa. In parallel, we study cellular aging and genome stability, creating transient RNA-based rejuvenation strategies to support genetic correction and therapeutic cell production in disease-relevant contexts.

Assistant Professor 

My lab investigates how the immune system shapes skin cancer development by using a novel mouse model that enables real‑time visualization of the elimination, equilibrium, and escape phases of cancer immunoediting. We also apply large‑scale sequencing to uncover the molecular drivers of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and identify new therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.

Assistant Professor 

Instructor 

My lab investigates how plasma membrane–associated proteins integrate signaling and metabolic pathways to regulate cell fate and tissue function across systems including skeletal muscle, liver, and cancer. My recent work revealed that GLUT3 drives alternative macrophage polarization through a glucose‑transport–independent signaling mechanism relevant to atopic dermatitis and wound healing, and I am now extending these findings to melanoma and other cancers.

Senior Instructor

Professor

My research focuses on understanding the role of cancer stem cells in the maintenance and resistance of skin cancer. We are developing stem cell therapies for inherited skin blistering diseases. We are also developing stem cell therapies for wound repair.